A New Era for Hyundai with the Ioniq 9
Hyundai is taking a bold step forward with the Ioniq 9, an electric SUV that not only stands out in size but also in price. This three-row vehicle is not just physically large; it’s also the most expensive car ever to carry the Hyundai badge. With its premium features and high cost, the Ioniq 9 is aiming to compete with other luxury EVs like the Volvo EX90 and Audi Q6 e-tron, which start at similar prices, albeit with fewer seats.
- 0.1 A New Era for Hyundai with the Ioniq 9
- 0.2 Price and Features – Does It Offer Good Value?
- 0.3 Design – A Tale of Two Halves
- 0.4 Practicality – Spacious and Tech-Loaded
- 0.5 Performance – Power and Efficiency
- 0.6 Driving Experience – Surprisingly Agile
- 0.7 Safety – Comprehensive Protection
- 0.8 Ownership – Warranty and Costs
- 0.9 Verdict
The Ioniq 9 is available in a single flagship variant called the Calligraphy trim, priced at $119,750 before on-road costs. Additional options can push the price closer to $125,000. These include a six-seat configuration, digital side mirrors, and special paint finishes. Despite its high price, Hyundai doesn’t expect it to be a major seller, as the EV market remains stagnant, and most buyers are upgrading from existing EVs rather than switching from internal combustion engines.
Price and Features – Does It Offer Good Value?
The Ioniq 9 comes packed with features, including full LED lighting, 21-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free powered boot. Inside, there are Nappa leather seats, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and what Hyundai calls ‘premium relaxation’ seats. The tech includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital dash, a head-up display, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and six USB ports. However, it lacks a vehicle-to-load feature, which means no household-style power outlet.
Other notable features include the ability to load a digital key into a phone’s wallet, allowing users to unlock and drive using their device. It’s also the first Hyundai model to use active noise cancellation.
Design – A Tale of Two Halves
The Ioniq 9 has a striking front end with a smooth, rounded nose and distinctive LED lighting. However, the rear design is more controversial, giving off old-school station wagon vibes that don’t quite match the rest of the vehicle. Inside, the design is cohesive, with comfortable seating and high-quality materials. The steering wheel, while minimalist, feels slightly too large for some. Digital side mirrors are another point of contention, as they are seen as invasive and less practical than traditional mirrors.
Practicality – Spacious and Tech-Loaded
The Ioniq 9 is a large vehicle, measuring over five metres long and weighing 2.7 tonnes. It offers impressive storage space, with 338 litres when all three rows are in place, increasing to 908 litres as a five-seater and 2410 litres when both middle and third rows are folded. The middle row is spacious for adults, and the rear doors open wide for easy access. The third row is surprisingly comfortable, with USB ports, air vents, speakers, and an automatic recline function.
Performance – Power and Efficiency
The Ioniq 9 is equipped with a dual-motor AWD system producing 314kW and 700Nm, ensuring strong acceleration. It can go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds. The vehicle is powered by an 110.3kWh battery, offering a claimed WLTP range of 600km. It supports 233kW DC fast charging, allowing it to reach 80% charge in 24 minutes. At home, charging takes around 10 hours using a 10.5kW wallbox.
Driving Experience – Surprisingly Agile
Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 handles well on winding roads, thanks to its electric motors. It delivers instant power and torque without lag or noise, making it a pleasure to drive. The cabin is quiet, and the vehicle is comfortable in city driving, with plenty of tech and space on board.
Safety – Comprehensive Protection
Although the Ioniq 9 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP yet, Hyundai aims for a maximum five-star rating. It includes 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2, which offers lane-centre smart cruise control and evasive action capabilities.
Ownership – Warranty and Costs
The Ioniq 9 comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with the battery covered for eight years or 160,000km. Servicing intervals are set at two years or 30,000km, with the first six years of servicing costing a total of $2005.
Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large, comfortable, and powerful SUV that ticks many boxes. Its electric powertrain makes it a joy to drive, but its high price may keep it out of many buyers’ shopping lists. For now, it remains a niche offering, but one that showcases Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and quality.
